To view the recording of this program, click here.

The League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge welcomes the community to Lunch with the League at 12 PM EDT, Tuesday, October 5. In an effort to keep everyone safe during this time of pandemic, the gathering will again be virtual. Those who desire to gain access to the meeting may do so by following the instructions provided at the close of this article.

Mr. Richard Alexander (Alex) Shaffer, a Social Studies Teacher at Oak Ridge High School will be the speaker. After completing the training for and teaching a course using the Harvard Case Method of teaching history, he will address “The Case Method of Harvard Law School and Its Teaching Benefits”.

In 2020, LWVUS offered an opportunity for teachers to participate in the Harvard Case Method of teaching history. It was initially a 2-1/2 day professional workshop all-expense paid, in-person event. However, the COVID pandemic forced it to be changed to a virtual event. Applicants submitted an op-ed style essay on the question “Why do you want to join this initiative, and why do you think public discussions about key moments in the history of American democracy are valuable?” Through the advice and assistance of Kay Moss, a long-time member of LWVOR, and then a teacher at Oak Ridge High School, LWVOR selected Mr. Shaffer to submit his application.

Growing up in Kingsport, TN, Mr. Shaffer had a love of history fostered by his AP European History class teacher, Mr. Kevin Fielden, and Civil Rights / Vietnam class taught by Coach Bingham when he was a student at Dobyns-Bennett High School.

Mr. Shaffer furthered his education at the University of Tennessee - Knoxville, where he earned an undergraduate degree in History with a double minor in Secondary Education and Geography. He was able to work at UT’s Center for the Study of War and Society while an undergraduate. He furthered his education at UT, completing a Master’s in Teaching program / internship. He interned at Farragut High School while getting the degree. Once the Master’s internship was competed, he was hired by Farragut as a full- time teacher. He taught as an Admiral for seven years before being hired by Oak Ridge High school in 2019.

The Case Method is proving to be effective in teaching high school students critical thinking skills - just what our future leaders will need.

The League of Women Voters of Oak Ridge is a nonpartisan political organization for men and women. It encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.